Napkins & Table Covering / Tablecloth

Common Questions About Table Linens

Why should I invest in commercial tablecloths?

Depending on your establishment's style, nice tablecloths might be necessary to achieve the aesthetic you want, but even casual dining establishments could benefit from implementing linens. First and foremost, tablecloths protect your actual table from hot dishes, wayward knives, and the regular banging and clattering of plates, cups, and bowls. Table linens are much cheaper than refinishing or replacing your tables, which means you don't have to worry about scuffs, dents, and gouges degrading the appearance of your establishment – toss a tablecloth on your table, and it looks good as new. Restaurant table linens can also be a lot easier to clean than tables as you can't exactly throw your tables into a washing machine. Depending on the style of tablecloth you purchase, cleaning them might be as quick as doing a load of laundry and then returning the next day with fresh, clean tablecloths. This system presents a pristine aesthetic to your customer and adds years to your table's service life.

On top of that, commercial tablecloths help reduce the overall noise inside your establishment. Too much noise inside a dining room can make the space feel impersonal, crowded, and downright unpleasant. The soft surface of a tablecloth can help dampen the din, especially compared to the echoing surface of a hard table. Tablecloths also remove the sound of plates and silverware hitting the table, which helps alleviate the cacophony of a restaurant dining room.

Do I need cloth napkins?

Cloth napkins used to be the preserve of fine dining establishments, but they're gaining greater popularity due to public concern about the environmental impact of single-use disposable products. On average, American diners use three napkins per meal, which can add up very quickly in any moderately sized venue. In addition to the napkins themselves, each set of disposable napkins has its own packaging, which is another source of unnecessary waste. Cloth napkins minimize this waste – according to a study by PE International, a nonrecycled paper napkin has three times the negative environmental impact of a cloth napkin.

Beyond helping the environment, cloth napkins present a nicer aesthetic to your customers. Tables set with cloth napkins are usually a sign of a high-end establishment, which means customers may be prepared to pay more at the end of the night. Customers also associate cloth napkins with better service and higher food quality. If you're looking to establish your restaurant as a venue for a nice night out, cloth napkins might be a good place to start.

Which type of tablecloth do I need?

Your restaurant's level of formality will determine the type of tablecloth that would work best. Fine dining restaurants will want table linens that match the rest of their aesthetic, which means investing in polyester, cotton, or microfiber tablecloths. Microfiber is durable and easy to keep clean, but it doesn't absorb spills as well as cotton and thus provides your customers less protection. Cotton is durable and absorbent, but it requires spot cleaning and frequent ironing. Polyester tablecloths are a balance between the two: less absorbent than cotton but easier to maintain.

Casual establishments should look at vinyl and laminated tablecloths. While they don't provide the same classy atmosphere as cotton or microfiber, they're much easier to clean. Vinyl and laminated cloths don't need to be laundered because they can be wiped clean after use. Once you've chosen a material, the cut, style, and color are completely a matter of preference.